Arizona Cardinals should consider trading up for cornerback

Stud cornerback Jeff Okudah could very well be worth the trade package it may take for the Arizona Cardinals to acquire him

With the 2020 NFL Draft now just around the corner, the discussion about what the Arizona Cardinals should do in the opening round is heating up. The squad has a plethora of needs, so there are several different directions that management can go with the eighth-overall selection. In fact, there’s one scenario involving the Cards that is particularly intriguing.

Jeff Okudah, an outstanding cornerback out of The Ohio State University, would have a tremendous impact on the Arizona defensive unit. Unfortunately, general manager Steve Keim will likely have to trade up in the first round to land him. The Cardinals would be required to put together an attractive package to make that move, but many prognosticators believe that Okudah would be worth the investment.

ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has compared Okudah to Cards great Patrick Peterson, who was the top-ranked prospect on his board back in 2011. The 6’1, 200 pound Okudah was a unanimous First Team All-American selection following his spectacular play for the Buckeyes last fall. The youngster would be a fantastic addition to an Arizona secondary that lacks stability at the moment.

During his 13 appearances in 2019, Okudah totaled 34 tackles, three interceptions and nine passes defensed. In 2018, the Texas native racked up 32 tackles and eight pass breakups as a sophomore. As a freshman in 2017, Okudah recorded 17 tackles, one pass defensed and a forced fumble in nine games for Ohio State.

The word around the league is that the Detroit Lions may be willing to field offers for the third-overall pick. Most mock drafts have Okudah still on the board a that point, meaning the Cardinals would have to move up five slots to nab him. Not a bad price for a cover guy who may very well be the second coming of Peterson.